Description
This Big Mac Bowl recipe offers a low-carb, keto-friendly, and high-protein alternative to the classic burger. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, and a flavorful homemade Big Mac sauce, this dish is a delicious and satisfying salad bowl that captures the iconic taste of a Big Mac without the bun and extra carbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Salad
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup onion (minced)
- 4+ dill pickles (sliced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (or everything bagel seasoning)
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickle with juice)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp+ monk fruit sweetener (increase if using chopped pickle for the relish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder + salt)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Over medium-high heat, warm a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, sea salt, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook the beef until it is no longer pink in the middle, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan once cooked.
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickle with juice), ketchup, yellow mustard, monk fruit sweetener, garlic salt, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated to form the sauce.
- Prep the Salad Base: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce, then lay it evenly in the bottom of four serving bowls. This will serve as the fresh and crisp base of your Big Mac Bowl.
- Assemble the Bowl: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the lettuce in each bowl. Top with sliced pickles, minced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over each bowl or serve it on the side as a dressing. Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, and optionally add more pickles, onions, or cheese as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your low-carb Big Mac Bowl!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking.
- Use monk fruit sweetener carefully and adjust to taste as it affects the sweetness of the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with another cheese if preferred, like American or mozzarella.
- To make it dairy-free, omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh lettuce when serving to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Big Mac Bowl, keto salad, low carb recipe, high protein meal, Big Mac sauce, ground beef bowl, easy lunch, Healthy Big Mac
